Two Rochester firefighters train for special rescues

CONCORD — Taking advantage of a Homeland Security Grant, two Rochester firefighters recently completed an intensive five-day program at the New Hampshire Fire Academy dealing with structural collapse emergencies. Rochester Firefighters Christopher L. Stevens and Dennis D. Dube, Jr. were trained to recognize, evaluate, and communicate the unique hazards associated with the collapse or failure of wood frame, heavy floor, precast concrete, and steel-frame construction whether due to natural or man made disasters such as fire, earthquake, hurricane, snow loads, terrorist attacks.

The program is designed to give local fire departments the knowledge, skills, abilities to operate safely and efficiently at a scene until relieved by a Department of Homeland Security or FEMA Team, which would be deployed in a large scale disaster.

The firefighters practiced operating low angle and high angle rope rescue systems to aid in building evacuation, how to assure site safety including the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for that site, recognizing the structural components associated with heavy floor, precast concrete and steel-frame construction, to recognize collapse patterns and possible victim locations associated with such structures, and to practice various techniques of identifying, locating, and rescuing victims trapped in the collapse of such structures.

The Homeland Security Grant provided funding that allowed the firefighters an opportunity to train without cost to their communities. Over 1,700 first responders have been trained with funds from these grants that have benefitted the residents and visitors of New Hampshire.

The mission of the New Hampshire Fire Academy is to increase the capability of New Hampshire’s fire and emergency services through research and the application of the best methodologies, techniques, education and practice of fire and emergency medical services.